Experienced Electrician! Here to Answer Any and All Growroom Electrical Questions

[legaleyes13]

Hey guys, I just came across what might be a pretty scary problem... RF interference. Now I haven't even setup yet, but I do have 4 digital ballast and have heard that many of them cause RF interference... needless to say I don't want the cable company to come knocking on my door, so if you know of any ways to avoid this RF problem, please let me know... thanks in advance.

 

[wheels619]

Hey guys, I just came across what might be a pretty scary problem... RF interference. Now I haven't even setup yet, but I do have 4 digital ballast and have heard that many of them cause RF interference... needless to say I don't want the cable company to come knocking on my door, so if you know of any ways to avoid this RF problem, please let me know... thanks in advance.

yeah buy nice ballasts. you get what you pay for in a way. but in all honesty i wouldnt be worried unless your tv is totally fucking up.

 

[Lucius Vorenus]

What should it cost to add a 200amp panel next to an existing one or would it be cheaper just to add 200amps to an existing?

 

[legaleyes13]

I have iPower ballasts... they're cheap (I don't know if they're cheaply made though) and made in China.... but they do say that they're shielded. Either way, I've heard that some of them cause RF problems, but I've also heard that Lumatek ballasts have caused RF interference and they're pretty much the best in the business... I'm honesty scared. I wonder if a ferrite core solve the potential problem...

 

[wheels619]

I have iPower ballasts... they're cheap (I don't know if they're cheaply made though) and made in China.... but they do say that they're shielded. Either way, I've heard that some of them cause RF problems, but I've also heard that Lumatek ballasts have caused RF interference and they're pretty much the best in the business... I'm honesty scared. I wonder if a ferrite core solve the potential problem...

plug it in nest to your cable box. see if it fucks it up. if not i think your good dude. may be you over reacting a bit.

 

[legaleyes13]

Thanks, wheels... I appreciate the advice.

 

[Figong]

What should it cost to add a 200amp panel next to an existing one or would it be cheaper just to add 200amps to an existing?

It'll cost a few.. if the wiring is pre-existing and deemed safe.. it'll be much cheaper than if they have to drill holes and fish walls with brand new wiring. As for what it should cost in a nutshell, your location will ultimately determine that... would be a good idea to get a few estimates and go from there for a ballpark/average.

 

[Shovlhd]

How's it going?
I have a question about upgrading my electrical service.
My shop is currently running a 60 amp breaker box or 60 amp service and I would like to upgrade to at least 100 amp service.
Is this something I can do myself?
If so...How?
Is it just a matter of replacing the current panel with a 100 amp breaker box or panel?
Thanks

 

[fr3d12]

Hi all,

Great thread full of solid information.

I'd be grateful if any electrician could help.

I'm going to run a 220mm computer fan in my tent and before I wire it up I need to know if my old Dell laptop charger is suitable for the job.The fan is 12V 0.2A and on the charger it says-INPUT AC 100-240v ~(1.5A)50-60Hz -OUTPUT DC 19.5V(19.5V) 3.34A(3.34A).I'm thinking already that's it a bit of overkill but no harm in asking.
The only other power supply I could find was an old phone charger rated at 5V 0.15A.

 

[wheels619]

How's it going?
I have a question about upgrading my electrical service.
My shop is currently running a 60 amp breaker box or 60 amp service and I would like to upgrade to at least 100 amp service.
Is this something I can do myself?
If so...How?
Is it just a matter of replacing the current panel with a 100 amp breaker box or panel?
Thanks

u need the proper wiring to support the power. if its already in place it could be as simple as changing a breaker. but i highly doubt it. you will probably need to add a new pull of cable and a new drop spot along with the proper breakers. why would you need more than 60 amps?

 

[spek9]

Hi all,

Great thread full of solid information.

I'd be grateful if any electrician could help.

I'm going to run a 220mm computer fan in my tent and before I wire it up I need to know if my old Dell laptop charger is suitable for the job.The fan is 12V 0.2A and on the charger it says-INPUT AC 100-240v ~(1.5A)50-60Hz -OUTPUT DC 19.5V(19.5V) 3.34A(3.34A).I'm thinking already that's it a bit of overkill but no harm in asking.
The only other power supply I could find was an old phone charger rated at 5V 0.15A.

This is a fire hazard. The extra voltage will cause the fan to work harder than it is meant to work, possibly causing it to overheat.

Go to Radio Shack and pick up a 12v unit, or pick up a 120v desk fan for $15 or so

-spek

 

[fr3d12]

This is a fire hazard. The extra voltage will cause the fan to work harder than it is meant to work, possibly causing it to overheat.

Go to Radio Shack and pick up a 12v unit, or pick up a 120v desk fan for $15 or so

-spek

Thanks for your reply.
I found another old router power supply rated at 12v 1A and that worked out ok to use,just wondering now if I could hook up another fan to the same power supply so therefore running two fans off it? I just bought a desk fan from Amazon and it is too loud at night when there is no other noise.

 

[spek9]

Sure can! If they are all 200mA (0.2A) you can safely put up to four of them. All four running at the same time will draw a total of 0.8A, leaving another 0.2A free so things don't overheat, particularly if you have a fan that seizes up.

Happy growing and blowing

-spek

 

[fr3d12]

Sure can! If they are all 200mA (0.2A) you can safely put up to four of them. All four running at the same time will draw a total of 0.8A, leaving another 0.2A free so things don't overheat, particularly if you have a fan that seizes up.

Happy growing and blowing

-spek

Cheers spek.

 

[Shovlhd]

Thanks for the input.
I was thinking that 6 x 1000 watters is approx 27 amps and I would like to expand to approx. 12 x 1000 watts along with water pumps, timers and fans I'll be pushing the limits.
What do you think?

 

[wheels619]

Thanks for the input.
I was thinking that 6 x 1000 watters is approx 27 amps and I would like to expand to approx. 12 x 1000 watts along with water pumps, timers and fans I'll be pushing the limits.
What do you think?

makes sense. check the gauge of the cable. best bet before spending a bunch of money.

 

[Sparty82]

Thanks for the input.
I was thinking that 6 x 1000 watters is approx 27

You sure? I always figure a 1000 watt at 9 amps.

 

[supchaka]

6k at 120 is 50 amps with no buffer.
27.2 at 220 with no buffer. I'd give some extra for sure

 

[thecoolman]

6k at 120 is 50 amps with no buffer.
27.2 at 220 with no buffer. I'd give some extra for sure

or 25 at 240

 

[spek9]

I don't know if it has been taken into consideration as I haven't actually done the math on the 1Kw setup, but one should always ensure at least a 2A spike when the lamp initially starts up.

If they all kick on at exactly the same time, that could be 12A+ for 6 x 1Kw lamps firing all at the same time. Fans and anything else with motors will also have initial spikes.

Nobody wants a breaker tripping because of initial load, especially if you're not around!

-spek